Generally I try to keep everything on this blog light and fun. My goal has always been to make my readers smile, and if I can teach you something, that makes it all the better. But sometimes we have to stop and talk about some things that are really important – even if they are not the typical “light and fun” stuff that I normally write about. When I learned about Allstate Foundation Purple Purse, I knew this was something I wanted to discuss to try and help spread the word about such an important mission.
Allstate Foundation Purple Purse is aimed to help end domestic violence by helping victims have the financial empowerment that they need. The truth is that financial abuse happens in 99% of all domestic violence cases, and it is the number one reason victims stay in or return to abusive relationships. Many times domestic abuse victims simply do not have the means to get away.
I remember one of my closest friends from college was one of these victims. While she was at college she fell in love with a man and got married. When my friend got pregnant soon after the wedding, she ended up dropping out of college to take care of the baby and lost touch with most of her friends. It was not long before things became dangerous for her at home.
When her friends and family began to suspect that something was wrong, we tried to help. I remember my friend telling me she had “nowhere to go and no way to get there”. She stayed because she had to – she felt “stuck” because her husband made and controlled all of the money.
It wasn’t until her children were older that she was able to afford to leave – but sadly she stayed in that terribly abusive relationship for far too long, and both she and her children have struggled because of it.
Unfortunately my friend’s story is not unique. One in four women will experience domestic violence in their lifetime – which means even if you have not experienced it yourself, chances are you know someone who has. I think the financial aspect of domestic abuse is one of the facets we seldom talk about, and with the numbers being what they are and growing – it is something we have to discuss to help victims get the freedom they deserve.
Allstate Foundation Purple Purse provides the crucial financial empowerment tools and resources to financial abuse victims through fundraising for local, state, and national nonprofits. From helping to rebuild credit to helping take the burden of child care to even giving counseling to help victims deal with the mental struggles that come with abuse, Purple Purse is helping women have the freedom to leave. To start new lives where they and their children can be safe and happy.
Since 2005, Allstate Foundation Purple Purse has helped more than 1 million survivors break free. While that number is impressive, there are still thousands who need our help.
I am thankful that my friend has finally been able to get herself and her children away from their situation, but the truth is she had to stay for entirely too long, and there are entirely too many people feeling “stuck” like she was. I wish I had known about Allstate Foundation Purple Purse sooner.
Please help us make a difference by donating at PurplePurse.com.
